Undoubtedly, this skill was an epic upgrade for Ye Chen.
It encompassed every aspect: speed, explosiveness, and shooting.
Ye Chen's shooting, previously rated at 75, now jumped to 80âa five-point improvement!
It's akin to an exam: advancing from 60 to 75 is challenging, but going from 75 to 80 is even harder.
Breaking past 80 places one in the "excellent" category, and future upgrades become increasingly difficult.
Additionally, Ye Chen's physical attributes received a notable boost.
His balance reached 80, and his ball control improved to 72!
This single SS-grade skill card raised Ye Chen's attributes across six areas!
Excited, Ye Chen jumped from his seat.
"System, this is amazing!"
"Friendly reminder: The system objectively evaluates the host's performance. Better rewards require more dedicated training and match performance."
Ye Chen understood, "So, extra training can also improve my attributes?"
"Of course!"
Hearing this, Ye Chen immediately suited up, ready to train more.
Although his overall rating had surpassed 75, he aimed higherâto reach 80 and beyond.
After all, his current level only placed him as an average Bundesliga player.
The team was holding routine practice to prepare for the second round of the Champions League. As Ye Chen arrived at the training field, he saw his teammates already there.
Jürgen Klopp looked surprised to see Ye Chen fully geared up. "Why are you back? Weren't you given a two-day break?"
Ye Chen smiled, "Of course, I'm here to train! Only by constantly improving can I earn more opportunities to play!"
Klopp nodded. "That's true, but balance is important. Rest is just as essential. Rejoin the team, then!"
"Yes!"
While the system offered enhancements, consistent, regular training was irreplaceableâunless the system guaranteed complete physical recovery after strenuous practice.
Having played the previous day, Ye Chen still felt soreness. Full recovery would take at least two days.
For now, he focused on light exercises.
As he began training, the system's notification popped up.
"Ding! Training mode activated. Enable training assistance?"
There was such a feature?
"Enable!"
Soon, his mind displayed the day's training objectives:
⢠Laps: 0/10
⢠Passing drills: 0/1,000
⢠Shooting practice: 0/300
⢠Free-kick drills: 0/100
⢠Total training duration: 3 hours
Ye Chen had no complaints. Becoming stronger required incremental progress through consistent practice.
No one's success comes from shortcuts. Ronaldo and Messi achieved their heights through relentless training.
In contrast, others faltered due to self-indulgence and distractions.
Examples include Adriano and Ronaldinho.
Adriano, once the "King of Inter Milan," indulged in alcohol and wasted his talent, fading into obscurity.
Ronaldinho, twice crowned FIFA World Player of the Year, was ousted from Barcelona after nights of revelry. His decline continued at AC Milan, and he eventually faded into retirement after stints in Brazil and Mexico.
Ye Chen sought a longer career in football and knew early planning was crucial.
First, he needed a professional nutritionist. Though Ronaldo's diet was exemplary, it might not suit Ye Chen's needs. With his newfound wealth, Ye Chen planned to hire a personal nutritionist.
Second, a personal coachâthough the system somewhat replaced this need.
Even Ronaldo has multiple personal trainers, a testament to its importance.
Dortmund also provided Ye Chen with a private German tutor, so he spent part of his time learning the language.
While Ye Chen trained, Dortmund flew to France for their Champions League second-round match.
Marseille, despite finishing second in Ligue 1 last season, was struggling this year. After seven matches, they had only one win, three draws, and sat 15th in the league.
Dortmund, meanwhile, had climbed to eighth in the Bundesliga after Ye Chen's standout performance.
Pundits favored Dortmund, but football rarely follows predictions.
At the pre-match press conference, Klopp praised Marseille, calling them a formidable team that would eventually return to title contention. Yet, everyone knew Dortmund was there for three points.
The match was intense. Marseille vented their frustrations from the league in the Champions League. In the 20th minute, André Ayew scored from a Loïc Rémy assist, breaking Dortmund's defense.
Despite Dortmund's relentless attacks, including headers, long-range shots, and attempts from all angles, they couldn't score. Marseille's goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda, was invincible.
The game ended 3â0. Remarkably, the MVP wasn't Ayew, who scored twice, nor Rémy, who provided two assists and a stunning goal. It was Mandanda.
Mandanda received an astonishing rating, reflecting his outstanding performance.
Meanwhile, Lewandowski's struggles were evident. Despite two clear one-on-one chances, he failed to score, frustrating fans who began reminiscing about Lucas Barrios.
Ye Chen's name resurfaced among fans: "If Ye Chen had played, could he have turned the tide?"
Klopp, visibly conflicted on the sidelines, faced tough questions in the post-match press conference.
One journalist asked, "With Lewandowski's poor form, will you consider starting Ye Chen?"
Klopp furrowed his brow. "There are no guaranteed starters in my team. Whoever is in form will play."
While diplomatic, Klopp had originally planned to establish Lewandowski as a starter this season. However, his underwhelming performance prompted serious reevaluation.
With the Champions League match concluded, Dortmund had to prepare for their next Bundesliga fixture at home against Augsburg. Whether Ye Chen would finally start remained the burning question.